FIRST HUMAN CASES OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN SASKATCHEWAN

The first human cases of West Nile Virus infection in Saskatchewan this season have been confirmed.

Three people - two from the Regina area and one from Yorkton - have tested positive for the virus.

"We have had a very warm summer which provides optimal conditions for the Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the species that carries the West Nile Virus," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said.

As Saskatchewan is entering the highest risk period for West Nile Virus, Dr. Findlater is reminding people that prevention is the best protection again West Nile Virus. Personal protective measures include the use of repellents, wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing, avoiding being outdoors between dusk and dawn, and reducing standing water habitats in and around your property.

West Nile Virus information, including the latest surveillance results are available on Saskatchewan Health's website at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca